Imagine strolling paths bordered with flowers, amidst myriad displays of color and form and fragrance, a festival of delight! This thread is just such a natural and supernatural paradise....<BR><BR>Hummingbirds flit decisively betwixt daylillies and hibiscus. Mockingbirds add their song. The fragrance of lavendar and lilac lace the air with a mystical kiss. Daylillies, coreopsis, marigolds, purple coneflowers, daisies, goldenrod, azalea, rosemary all congreagate in glorious blossum. To the east, cascades of waterfalls,.. the west a stand of coniferous border.<BR><BR>Amongst this lush display a festive group mingles under tent and open sky. Some gather beneath oak eaves to gossip and linger in the shade. Others occupy time in games of chance,.. draughts, chess, and backgammon seem the most popular. A delicate beauty sits on an open lawn, poised for her portraiture. The artist dabbles in shades which mimic the colorful butterflies.<BR><BR>There are voices happy in song. Conversation intricate and long. There is a wealth of languages, a treasure of dialect wafting on the breezes. The nectar of voice and lute inspire a frivolous pleasantness. Dancing lessons are presented on a canopied pavillion. Manly men and agile women parlay with professional swordsmen, exercising their bravado and style in fencing bouts.<BR><BR>Some are reclusive, meditative, merely walking the labyrinthine gardens. Others are clustered in mercantile delight at the various bazarrs. Troubadours and Trouveres trill cansos of courtly love.<BR><BR>A banquet of food and drink accompanies the entertainments. Sugar and spices, brandy and Jerez wine,.. almond milk sate the younger palletes... coffee, teas, chocolate, cinnamon and strawberry cakes...<BR><BR>Sports, bedecked in breeches, knee-high boots and cloaks parade their skills at tennis, archery, riding and billiards. <BR><BR>Three ladies accompany each other with a dressing ritual. Undies, stockings, shoes, earrings are applied first. One beauty feels the air embrace her bare skin 'neath a sheer chemise. A second assists her friend lacing a corset...<BR><BR>Yes, welcome all... please linger in my Butterfly Garden. Celebrate my 10,000th post festival. With that Terry looked around and was pleased. With a smile he waved to the Butterflies,.. walked into a stand of Weeping Willows and vanished...

*Sheena looked about the beautiful garden in delight. Her bare feet swept the grass and tickled the flowers. The scent for good food and wine reached her, along with a many merry voices.<BR>She walked under the willows and through their branches until she reached a lovely little pond. Looking into the water she saw and few golden fish which swam away when her fingers lightly touched the pond's surface.<BR>Her eyes looked among the trees around her, those celebrating in Terry's honour were on the other side of the willows. A smiled appeared upon her face. Though she was wearing a lovely purple dress and her hair tied up so neatly and she rosed from the rock which she sat and stepped into the deep pond. She giggled as little fish nibbled on her toes and was refreshed when the water was at her waist.

A Elven woman wrapped only in black silk walked barefoot through the grass to gaze upon the lands. <BR>A festival of fine peoples to sing of the ring upon Terrys hand. <BR>For a blessing you are Terry, and thank you for your kindness and sweet words. <BR>I will be here with you as the games begin.

<BR><i> A half-elven Scribe wanders in, <BR>seeking solace in a place she has never been,<BR>but has heard it whispered on the wind,<BR>**'tis a beautiful place, he left memories in.**<BR><BR>A walk in solitude would surely ease<BR>the emptiness within, ah Eru please<BR>grant but an hour, free of regret,<BR>and longing for a friend, just barely met.<BR><BR>Truly then does this pretty place,<BR>bear still the marks of his care and grace.<BR>The flowers and birds still nod and sing,<BR>the bubbling waters their cool comfort bring.<BR><BR>It seems unfair, to linger here<BR>with a heavy heart, amid such carefree cheer.<BR>'Tis a wondrous place, this fairy land,<BR>Built for us all by a kindly hand.<BR><BR>Perhaps another visit, when time has passed,<BR>and done its work of filling the vast<BR>empty place; where the Butterflies come,<BR>to play and remember, when time was young.</i><BR><BR>

Trace watched as the butterflies gathered. It was a pleasant enough place. Verdant dreams and lovely companions. He was taken in by the beautiful SilverScribe, she sounded as ifshe were saddened by something. Why would she be sad in such a happy venue?

Gwenhwyvar rode cautiously toward the Garden where the festivities were being held. When she was close enough that she could see the butterflies fluttering about the trees, she stopped her horse and dismounted, tying the horse to a nearby tree. She walked the rest of the way on foot, her hood drawn close over her head. Soon her senses were assaulted with the sights, sounds and smells of the garden. The fragrant flowers bloomed everywhere and butterflies danced among them all. The Ranger continued on quietly, glancing about and listening. She could hear the celebrants playing and laughing and she longed to be a part of it. She walked toward an elaborate gazeebo where several people were playing various board games. She walked up the steps of the gazeebo and let her hood fall back, releasing a cascade of soft chestnut locks that flowed about her shoulders. She didn't recognize anyone, but asked nonetheless, "May I join you?"

Oh wonders of wonders....<img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0><img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0><img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0><BR>A familiar and at the same time strange feeling pervaded Tuile's being as she walked into the glowing garden. All too fleeting was her visit today..

Ariem looked around the breathtaking garden and let out a deep sigh that came from her very soal. She was in a lovely purple dress with a silver hem and belt that perfectly matched her hair. Her eyes were a stunning blue as she looked at the peacefulness around her. This was a place that she could stay forever and never wish to leave. She strolled among the flowers with butterflys everywhere. Another sigh excaped, this time reliveing all her stress. "I must be in heaven for no place on earth could be this wonderful." She said to herself. She looked around and started singing quietly.<BR><BR>"The trees on the hills,<BR>the flowers in the dale,<BR>they are always in my heart.<BR><BR>In full blossom, <BR>the spring came forth,<BR>to show her colors to all.<BR><BR>The bright ribbons fly,<BR>the darkness gives way,<BR>to this delightful gallery of life.<BR><BR>No one can doubt the meaning,<BR>or neither can they wonder,<BR>for the fullness of this day, <BR>leaves no room for thought.<BR><BR>Merry and gay the birds are now,<BR>but the grass is gladder still,<BR>and nothing can compare to the lovely way <u>I</u> feel.<BR><BR>The trees on the hills,<BR>the flowers in the dale,<BR>they are always in my heart."<BR><BR>Her eyes turn green at the end of her song to match the luss grass beneth her. She lays down on it, loseing all sence of dignety and behaveing like the child that she is. She gazes up into the clouds and thought of nothing, it was a wonderful experence. A small blue butterfly landed on her nose. Her eyes flickered and she laughed at the tickle from it's legs. It flew off, to find a more quiet perch.<BR>She rubbed her nose and laughed again. A true laugh. 'When was the last time I really laughed?' she wondered. She hummed the melody to the song that she had just sang. "I should laugh more often." She declaired to a bright cloud that reminded her of the butterfly that she had so recently became aquainted with. "It feels good to just laugh without a care." She rolled over on her side. She looked at the garden around her. So beautiful, so perfect. "I will stay here. At least for a while." she said to a near rosebush with dark purple flowers. "I wish that I could stay forever, but that is unrealistic. At least for a while. At least for a while." with that she fell asleep with a peacefull feeling that she had not known in years.<BR><BR>(OOC Thank you so much Terry. I really needed this today. I now will, like lovely Ariem, go to sleep peacefully.)

Malice a dark elf with glowing red eyes wandered in to the garden she was completly covered by her cloak because the sun hurt her eyes. All she wanted was rest in peace no trouble from her or others. So she settled in under the shade of a huge tree & watched all of the creatures who were excepted on this surface world, as she most definitly would not be. She could not go home where she would be killed. Instead she would live as an outcast for the remainder of her days.

<img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0><img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0><img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0><img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0><BR><BR>Appreciation, a wallowing glee,<BR>meditation as poppies run free.<BR>For consternation, bubbling river,<BR>or perspiration, cooling shiver.<BR>Habituation in things of bliss,<BR>leads to saturation, no hit, no miss.<BR>In no other nation, could such be found,<BR>quite a situation, a beauty unbound.<BR>Again most deep appreciation, for you, our dear TerryD, <BR>for our lovely Butterfly Garden, given by thee.

<i> Ithy uncurled slowly, and stretched toward the skies, blinking the last vestiges of sleep out of her eyes. She looked about her and smiled to herself, enjoying the unsurmounted beauty of the garden.<BR><BR>Near to her, she heard the gentle singing of a harp in the wind, mingling with the gentle gurgling of water flowing over stones. Alongside this lovely music, she heard the delightful sounds of children laughing: the most beautiful and innocent sound in all the world.<BR> Looking up, she was amazed by the crystalline clearness of the green leaves, each bigger than both her fists. They made up the canopy, and it was bejewled with butterflies. The sun shining through them cast odd, twisting shadows over her face and stung her eyes, but she could not look away from the beauty. Each leave was perfectly outlined, glowing in a halo of light. The veins showed through them, portraying a life more delicate than any mortal or immortal being would ever know.<BR><BR>As she began to walk down the narrow path, meandering her way towards the pavilion, butterflies flocked about her. Settling in her hair and on her nose, they were more friendly than any other creature. Happily, and unconcsciously, she began to hum to herself, the aura of the garden drawing the words from her lips.</i><BR><BR><b>Crayoned colored wings,<BR>spread across the skies,<BR>Rainbows in space, adrift,<BR>See, she floats and flies,<BR>Winging to some unknown spot,<BR>She escapes what we've been taught.<BR>Beauty, flight and freedom be,<BR>her future, her reality<BR><BR>She's not grounded by two feet <BR>firmly planted on Earth bound peat.</b>

Lalatiel wandered into the garden, entranced by the sights and sounds and scents. Various people were singing, or humming, and she picked up snatches of the songs as she passed. A beautiful sun hovered overhead, gorgeously warm, but not overly hot. She hummed a tune to herself as she walked, and sat down near Ithy, who had just woken up and was singing softly. <BR> <i>That was beautiful.</i> said Lalatiel as Ithy finished. <i>Did you write that yourself?</i>

<i> Ithy smiled as lalatiel sat next to her, graciously inclining her head as she finished singing. She sighed blissfully and shook her head slowly, answering </i> Alas, no. I am not blessed with the talent of song writing. That was something I came across some time ago, and it seemed extremely appropriate for this place.<BR><BR>Would you care to join me for a swim? <i> Ithy stood slowly, stretching, and reached her hand to assist lalatiel. She headed down the path a ways to the pond, and smiled at the sight of the goldfish swimming in and out, down the stream. She took of her boots, and let her hair out of the thong that held it back, settling them gently on the mossy bank.<BR><BR>The water was cool, but not biting, and Ithy was extremely grateful to the owner of this garden for sharing its wonders.</i>

<i>Why not?</i> said Lalatiel, and followed Ithy over to the pool. She had always been wary of water, not being overly fond of cold, but it wasn't too bad. She slipped her toes in first, and the rest of her followed rather unwillingly as Ithy pulled her in. Lalatiel sputtered as she surfaced.<BR> <i>Well, that was refreshing!</i> she laughed as she blinked water out of her eyes.

After many long days of traveling, the tiny Bard GT stumbled upon the lush expanse of the Butterfly Garden. Her weary eyes widened in awe at the sheer beauty of this place. Months of weary toil seemed to lift from her hunched shoulders as she stepped onto the lawn. She bent and tugged off her weather worn boots and cast them aside, along with the travel and time soaked cloak. Clad now in only her tunic and trousers, she wandered farther still into the garden, staring in amazement at the wide variety of flowers, and at the fair folk who also sat there. Her long hair tumbled down her shoulders as she let down her tight bun, and caught the light of the setting sun. Her eyes were filled with the light of the stars before the fall of the Trees of Valinor, as only an Eldar of truelly great age's eyes could. The bright eyes fell upon a great grove of willows. The water beneath them looked cool and inviting. She hastened to the water's edge, and gazed down at the surface, ere dipping her feet into the clear water. It was pleasently cool after a long day of trecking down hot, dusty roads in the open sun. The branches of the Willows created a veil, so GT stripped off her leather tuinc, revealing a sleevless blouse beneath. Throwing the tunis aside, she plunged into the water. The lake was deep, but clear as crystal. The Elf's head reapeared several yards away, long tendrils of wet hair clinging to her neck and face.

<i>Hey!</i> said Lalatiel as she peeled wet, dark strands of hair off her face. <i>Isn't that GT?</i> She dog-paddled over to her, then submerged herself, and popped up right in front of her, then swam away at her startled face.<BR><i>Sorry if I scared you!</i> she laughed. <i>I'm Lalatiel, and there's- hey, get over here! And there's Ithy!</i> Introductions made, she swam to the shore, stood up, and dove (dived?) gracefully into the water.

Amaya sat on a rock wistfully looking off into the lovely paths that would take her away from the gossip and chatter that pressed around her. The rest of her company was engaged in watching a duel between two foolhardy men over the hand of some fair maiden. A man caught her gaze and walked over to her. She turned down his request to walk through the garden gently and excused herself saying that she had someone to meet. She picked up the front of her skirts and began to run down the path anxious to get away. She slowed down gradually and felt at peace in the lovely surrondings. She heard laughter ahead and smiled. Maybe she would join them. They seemed to enjoy life for what it was not be caught up in dueling and marriage like so many others. She saw lalatiel swimming and came up to the little group. They smiled warmly at her as she made her introduction. She called out to Lalatiel "Hey how's the water?" Lalatiel swam over and said "Cold. I think I'll come in now" She held out her hand for help and Amaya took it and was (of course) pulled in. She gasped but came up laughing and swam after Lalatiel who was making her escape.

GT grinned, then swam to shore, and shook the water off like a dog, and wandered across the lawn, letting the sun dry her hair and clothes. She saw a few people she knew, but far more that she didn't. She saw Scribbles, and hurried over, longing for a familiar face. "Allo, fellow Bard!" she churriped.

Ariem woke up and calmly looked around. Her eyes were the same peaceful blue as the sky. She did not think, for she knew that her mind would slip back to her dreary life. She simply was. She sat up and walked to the shade of a nearby tree, not because it was to hot but just because she felt like it. She looked up into it's branches and saw a blue bird. She called to it and it came down and landed on her outstreached hand. she lightly sang to it and pet it.

Of all the many forums, threads and places here on TORC there is not to compare with the board’s most beautiful spot, the Butterfly Gardens. A place separated out of space and time where the many cares of life cannot be found, a place of contemplation and renewal, a place of peace and restoration.<BR><BR>The bard comes here to contemplate the long road yet ahead. It is a path that he has walked before and is aware of its many snares and pitfalls just as he is of its incomparable rewards. The signposts and markers will all be familiar an yet the path will take new and possibly alarming turns that were not there when last he walked that way.<BR><BR>His last journey on this road had been begun in springtime with all the long bright summer still ahead. When he takes to the road this time around, it will be in autumn with winter’s cold uncertainty looming large ahead.<BR><BR>The wonder of discovery and revels in the joy of life begun anew need must soon give way to clouded visions of the future and the sober declarations of reality caution about all that is needed to safeguard and realize an unexpected dream.<BR><BR><BR>A new voice, bright and full of youthful promise has been entrusted to his care. This new voice that chirps so dearly to his heart, this new voice must be trained and taught to sing, shown how to reign in the wild freedom of his infant spirit and instructed in the disciplines that will train his natural talents to first take in and then surpass the wisdoms of convention.<BR><BR>Many years and far more care the bard now carries with him and for a moment he recalls the plans he had to rest at journey’s end, to seek out sweet repose and contemplation and, perhaps, to conjure one last song whose tune and word and meter suited no one but himself nor would it have to. Yet now, instead of rest, he must take to the road again knowing full well that the way will be less smooth and more uphill and fraught with new and tougher challenge and knowing also that he himself was not full told the man he once had been.<BR><BR>The thought of gentle hearts and kindly personalities came to him on the winds of memory. Other voices, all raised up, to beckon come rejoin them as their spirits took to the road, many for a first journey on the changing road of life.<BR><BR>Seated in the peace of this blessed garden, Erinhue began to see a glimmer in the darkness, a dawning light of promise set to pierce the gathered gloom. The fleeing mists were slowly swept away and with them the haunting shades of phantom failure. A fresh breeze blasts through the dank miasma of despair and on its cleansing breath the song of hope came to his ears. With the spell of darkness broken it was easier to hear the voice of friendship calling and see the soothing arms of love outstretched to reap him in.<BR><BR>Strength lies in these things and comfort also and the weary bard gratefully drank in the welcome healing they would provide. When all they offered had been utterly accepted, the bard lay down beneath the deepening velvet of the sky to sleep beneath its starry mantel to seek refreshment in repose and await the coming of a new and better day.<BR>

Wiping matted hair from her tear streaked face, Elengil watched the bard, weary yet always seemingly full of strength. <BR><BR>She wanted to run to him, embrace him, rejoice at the sight of him, but she only wraped her arms around her knees and watched silently. And when he had fallen asleep, she smiled sadly, looked upon his fair features one last time, and quietly left him in peace.

<i>Someone didn't notice the half elven girl sprawled upon the grass, half under a bush and nearly tripped over her. She would have moved or spoken except that she didn't notice the stranger aproach as she was totally absorbed in her book. Her green and gold gown shimmered and covered her modestly, though showing her to be of age. When she looked up, she looked human, except for bottomless, ageless green eyes. The stranger moved on, and she went back to her book, happy to be truely at rest for the first time in a while. Even Healers sometimes need healing...</i>

Soft is the grass in the butterfly Garden, many a memory I have of this place. Though now sadness has overtaken me, and my wings wish only to fly away. The pleasent place of the west has been usurped by orcish talking folk whose hearts are black, and no more do the fair ships sail from the peaceful shores. Woe has come to the west, and now gone in the north is one that was fair. A tear falls to the grass as the Raven takes wing, seeking out those who are not agents of Sauron.

I've searched for 'Orald's Butterfly Garden', but it must have been archived. That was my first home here. I still wander there in my dreams. <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif"border=0><BR><BR><img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0><img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0>

As she wandered thoug the Paths of the forest around her, she converege upon a magical, whimsical place filled with enchantment and wonder. Jewel-like butterflies danced and fluttered throughout the glade, lighting on bright flowers to drink the sweet nectar, or just to rest their wings.<BR><BR>G_E revelled in the awesome beauty of this hidden place and immediatly felt at home here among the butterflies and wildflowers. Skipping happily and freely through the clearing, she sang happy songs and watched as the butterflies joined her in her joyus song, flitting here and there. Coming to rest, she lay down umog the flowers and spread out her arms, welcoming the little jewels to her. Smiling to herleslf, she fell to a contented sleep among the lavender, rose and lily scents that wafted around her and the fluttering beauties.